PHOENIX– The Phoenix Mercury have an unconventional way of acquiring rookies. Instead of the WNBA Draft, they put on their scouting hats and found players like French guard Noémie Brochant.
She has been in the starting lineup since May 24 and has shown a skill set that Phoenix sought after: 3-point shooting, defensive versatility, and many of the intangibles of the game: lateral movement, quick feet, and a relentless motor.
The other French player they signed, Valériane Ayayi, initially garnered more attention. But fast forward to June 17, and it’s been the opposite.
Before the media had a chance to speak to Brochant on Tuesday, she was immediately ready to answer questions. Even with her emphasizing her struggle with the English language, it felt like an ordinary day.
She answered questions routinely, and it was the first time the Phoenix media spoke to her since she signed. Fans were surprised by the French guard sliding into the starting five, and so was she.
“It was a surprise for me, first of all,” Brochant explained. “I try to give my best to do what I have to do to be in my role.”
As a near 40% shooter from deep, her ability as a floor spacer already fits with someone like Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper. She doesn’t need the ball in her hands, but is effective when she does.
Noémie Brochant was what the Mercury needed, but didn’t expect
This Mercury team had a 2026 outlook of running it back and upgrading a few pieces. They were searching for more perimeter defense in the backcourt and someone who could be more of a combo guard, guarding multiple positions.
It looks like Monique Akoa Makani has found her running mate with Brochant. Both come from France, and the two actually competed against one another in the French league.
Both guards are defensive-minded, always guarding the pick-and-roll and taking the challenge of joyfully guarding the opposing team’s top option.
The 5’11 guard has had some help transitioning to the United States, the culture, and the city of Phoenix, thanks to Akoa Makani, and the organization, which Brochant praised for its commitment to the players.
She said she would share gyms and locker rooms with other teams or other sports. But that’s just a small part of the bigger picture of her transition to the WNBA.
Having someone like Akoa Makani has been the ultimate sounding board. Despite an age difference, the Cameroonian guard knew that her teammate didn’t need guidance, but everyone’s belief in her.
“She’s a great basketball player. I don’t think she needed guidance,” she said after Wednesday’s shootaround.
“I think that it was more telling her how confident she just needs to be in her game, and how we trust her to make plays, and also guard. I think she’s doing a great job at that. So yeah, I’m really proud of her for that.”
Noémie Brochant has left a lasting impression on Mercury veterans
Yes, Brochant is a professional and has been playing professional basketball for quite some time. But that doesn’t disregard or discredit the transition from FIBA to WNBA rules.
Not to mention, things like the pace of play drastically increase, leaving some players in the dust or elevating others. Brochant might be in the elevated category of that description.
For someone like DeWanna Bonner, plenty of rookies have leaned on her for wisdom, advice, and someone who’s a leader by example. She’s taken Brochant under her wing, but not in a prototypical way.
“She’s been playing basketball as a professional for a while… she just goes out there and plays on instinct,” Bonner said on Tuesday, when asked about Brochant’s role as a starter.
“Like I said, it’s different in the W. She’s still learning the way, learning the players, learning different things that we do that they don’t do over there, like defensive 3 seconds. All of that is new to her.”
Brochant is turning into a fan favorite– as she described– giving her best in her role. That’s all the Mercury can ask for, given their situation in the standings.
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